South Korean forensics team arrives

PHUKET: South Korea has sent 11 forensic scientists to Phuket to help with the mammoth task of identifying tsunami victims.

South Korea’s Ambassador to Thailand, Yoon Jee Joon, told Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura yesterday that the 11 experts would be working with the forensic team of Pol Gen Noppadol Somboonsap.

Mr Yoon added that his government hoped to establish a permanent consulate in Phuket, because of the increasing number of Korean tourists who visit the island each year.

Gov Udomsak urged the South Korean government to assure Koreans that Phuket is as safe to visit as it was before the tsunami, and there have been no outbreaks of tsunami-related disease on the island.